Hong Kong Customs today (September 15) alerted members of the public to potential strangulation hazards posed by the cords of two models of children's swimwear.

Customs officers today seized a total of 175 swimsuits for children from four branches of a department store and two related suppliers. The cords near the neck part of the two models of swimwear were found to pose a risk of strangulation and violated the requirements of the related standard.

Prohibition notices were served to the department store and suppliers concerned, prohibiting the continued sale of the two models of swimwear.

Customs advises parents to watch out for potential hazards when selecting clothing for their children to avoid accidents.

Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on consumer goods to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.

Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent convictions.

Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau, Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.